What is a Bio-region?

A Bio-region is not an administrative but a functional geographical area, where an alliance is established between farmers, citizens, tourism operators, associations, and public administrations for the sustainable management of resources. This synergy is based on the principles and practices of organic production and consumption (short supply chains, organized supply and demand groups, quality restaurants, organic canteens). In a Bio-region, the promotion of organic products is intrinsically linked to the promotion of the territory and its particular features, in order to achieve the full development of the economic, social, and cultural dimensions” (Basile, S., 2014, p.4).

Bio-regions pursue objectives related to the enhancement of territorial assets such as high-quality local production, landscape, biodiversity, and other heritage/cultural elements; the transition of traditional agri-food chains to organic; the promotion of renewable energy use and energy cost reduction; the promotion of the circular economy; training/awareness-raising as well as research—these are also encompassed within their goals.

Currently, there are around fifty Bio-regions in Europe, spread across Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Slovakia. In Portugal, the first Bio-region was the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, followed by the Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alto Tâmega (municipalities of Boticas, Chaves, Montalegre, Ribeira de Pena, Valpaços, and Vila Pouca de Aguiar) and São Pedro do Sul.